31 Horror Movies Like Insidious That’ll Give You the Creeps
Looking for some creepy horror movies like Insidious?
I think creepy, paranormal horror films are my favorite of all the freaky movie varieties and Insidious fits that bill to a tee. It’s creepy, weird, confusing and gives you a chill through most of it.
If you want more horror movies like Insidious that will send a real chill down your spy, this is the flick for you:
Best Horror Movies Like Insidious
1. The Conjuring (2013)
If you like Insidious, I’d put money on you liking The Conjuring – if I had any.
Directed by James Wan, The Conjuring explores the terrifying real-life case of paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga). Tasked with helping a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse, the Warrens encounter a powerful entity.
Like Insidious, this film relies on atmospheric tension and chilling narrative to captivate its audience, making it a compelling watch for fans of supernatural horror. Wilson also plays a central role in both films – and he’s amazing in he horror genre.
2. Sinister (2012)
Sinister follows true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke) as he discovers a box of home movies that put his family in grave danger.
The film combines the elements of supernatural horror with a gripping mystery, making it a fascinating choice for those who appreciate the slow-building suspense and eerie storytelling found in Insidious.
3. The Babadook (2014)
This psychological horror film centers on a widowed mother and her son who are haunted by an unsettling children’s book character, the Babadook. This is a great Australian horror film.
Exploring themes of grief and mental illness, the movie’s reliance on psychological tension and minimalistic scares aligns well with the haunting atmosphere of Insidious, appealing to fans of horror that probes deeper into human fears.
4. Paranormal Activity (2007)
Shot in a found footage format, Paranormal Activity chronicles the disturbing experiences of a couple haunted by a supernatural presence in their home. Besides The Blair Witch Project, it’s probably one of the most recognizable found footage films out there.
Its use of subtle yet effective scares and a growing sense of dread mirrors the tense, atmospheric horror seen in Insidious, making it perfect for those who enjoy edge-of-the-seat suspense.
5. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary delves into the life of a family unraveling dark secrets after the death of their secretive grandmother. It’s a gory, elevated horror film that made waves a few years back.
The film’s intricate storytelling and shocking twists create a dense, oppressive atmosphere similar to Insidious. It’s a top pick for viewers who favor horror that combines family drama with supernatural elements.
6. The Witch (2015)
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch follows a Puritan family encountering evil forces in the wilderness. With its focus on isolation, religious fanaticism, and the supernatural, the film crafts a haunting narrative that resonates with the unsettling themes and eerie atmosphere of Insidious.
7. It Follows (2014)
After a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, a teenager finds herself haunted by nightmarish visions and the inescapable sense that something is following her.
It Follows creates a unique and disturbing premise with an ever-present threat, appealing to Insidious fans through its innovative concept and the relentless tension. It also makes you think twice (or 16 times?) about having a one night stand.
8. Annabelle (2014)
A prequel to The Conjuring, Annabelle focuses on a possessed doll that terrorizes its owners. Loosely based on a true story (depending on whether or not you believe in ghosts…) this is a freaky flick.
The film’s connection to the Conjuring universe and its emphasis on a malevolent inanimate object evoke the same chilling vibes as Insidious, making it a must-watch for lovers of paranormal tales.
9. The Woman in Black (2012)
Daniel Radcliffe stars as a young lawyer visiting a remote village where he encounters the vengeful ghost of the titular Woman in Black.
This Gothic horror film emphasizes a brooding atmosphere and period setting, akin to Insidious in its ability to build suspense and fear through story and setting rather than gore.
10. Poltergeist (1982)
A classic in the horror genre, Poltergeist explores the terror of a family whose home is haunted by a host of malevolent spirits.
This film’s blend of child-centric supernatural phenomena and suburban setting pairs well with the thematic elements of Insidious, offering a similarly gripping experience.
11. The Others (2001)
Nicole Kidman stars in this atmospheric thriller about a woman living in a dark, old house with her two photosensitive children, convinced that their home is haunted.
Much like Insidious, The Others uses suspense and a twisty narrative to deliver a story that is both eerie and deeply emotional, perfect for those who appreciate sophisticated horror.
12. Oculus (2013)
Oculus is a psychological horror film about a brother and sister who attempt to destroy an antique mirror that they believe harbors supernatural forces responsible for their family’s tragedy.
The film cleverly intertwines multiple timelines to build suspense and dread, making it a great choice for Insidious fans who enjoy complex narratives and the chilling sense that past horrors can resurface in the present.
13. Lights Out (2016)
Based on a terrifying short film, Lights Out revolves around a family being stalked by a creature that only appears in the dark.
The movie’s effective use of darkness and light creates a tense atmosphere that fans of Insidious will find familiar and frightening, emphasizing unseen terrors that lurk in the shadows.
14. Mama (2013)
Mama tells the haunting tale of two young girls who, after being abandoned in a forest, are guarded by a mysterious entity they call “Mama.” As they reintegrate into society, their new guardians discover that this protective presence has followed them home.
Fans of Insidious will appreciate the film’s eerie visuals and the exploration of protective versus malevolent supernatural forces.
15. The Ring (2002)
A modern horror classic, The Ring features a journalist investigating a cursed videotape that leads to the death of anyone who views it after seven days.
The film’s combination of investigative mystery and supernatural elements creates a gripping, suspenseful experience akin to Insidious, with a deep sense of impending doom that escalates to a terrifying climax.
I fully admit that this film isn’t nearly as scary as more modern scary flicks like Insidious or The Conjuring, but it’s a great watch that oozes some real early 2000s horror vibes.
16. The Grudge (2004)
This remake of the Japanese film Ju-on follows a curse born when someone dies in a grip of rage or sorrow, an entity that ensnares anyone who enters the haunted house.
Like Insidious, The Grudge uses a non-linear narrative to unfold its chilling story, perfect for fans of haunting visuals and stories that span different times and characters.
17. Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Combining horror with dark humor, Drag Me to Hell tells the story of a loan officer cursed by a supernatural force after evicting an elderly woman from her home.
This film’s blend of scares and laughs will appeal to Insidious fans looking for both suspense and a touch of comedic relief in their horror.
18. The Amityville Horror (1979)
This classic haunted house story focuses on a family experiencing terrifying supernatural phenomena after moving into a home with a grim history.
The growing dread and focus on family dynamics make it a fitting match for Insidious enthusiasts who are drawn to stories of haunted families and eerie old houses. Note that this is NOT the version that features a shirtless, young Ryan Reynolds.
19. 1408 (2007)
Adapted from Stephen King’s short story, 1408 features a skeptic of the supernatural facing real terror when he spends a night in a notorious hotel room.
The psychological and claustrophobic horror of 1408 captures a similar essence to Insidious, making it compelling for those who revel in the exploration of a single, malevolent setting.
20. Crimson Peak (2015)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Crimson Peak is a visually stunning Gothic horror film about a young woman who finds herself haunted by both the living and the dead within a decaying mansion.
Its atmospheric depth and emphasis on ghostly mysteries provide a great cinematic experience for fans of Insidious who appreciate a strong, eerie narrative. Not to mention it features a gorgeous Tom Hiddleston.
21. The Visit (2015)
In The Visit, two siblings staying with their estranged grandparents discover deeply disturbing secrets about their hosts.
Combining elements of found footage and classic horror, this film delivers a mix of suspense and unexpected twists, ideal for Insidious fans who enjoy a story that evolves from innocent curiosity to sheer terror.
22. The Sixth Sense (1999)
M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense centers around a boy who communicates with spirits seeking help to resolve their earthly issues and the child psychologist who tries to assist him.
This film’s masterful use of suspense and its exploration of the supernatural realm make it perfect for fans of Insidious who appreciate a psychological depth paired with ghostly encounters.
23. Session 9 (2001)
Set in an abandoned mental asylum, Session 9 follows a cleaning crew experiencing escalating supernatural phenomena.
The film’s slow-burning tension and psychological horror echo the eerie atmosphere of Insidious, making it a great pick for those who enjoy stories that delve into the horrors of the human mind as well as the supernatural.
24. The Orphanage (El Orfanato) (2007)
Produced by Guillermo del Toro, The Orphanage is a Spanish film about a woman who returns to her childhood orphanage, only to face unsettling events linked to her past.
With its haunting atmosphere and emotional depth, this film is ideal for Insidious lovers who enjoy a blend of heartfelt storytelling and chilling ghostly encounters. This film is in Spanish, so you’ll have the best experience with subtitles (unless you understand Spanish!).
25. The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)
This film tells the story of a family that moves into a house that was once a funeral parlor to find it haunted by its sinister past.
The intense supernatural occurrences and the focus on family dynamics make it a compelling watch for those who are drawn to Insidious for its strong emotional underpinnings and spine-tingling scares.
I’m the first to admit that this isn’t my favorite film – there’s nothing wrong with it, artistically I just don’t love it.
26. Pet Sematary (1989)
Based on Stephen King’s novel, Pet Sematary explores the dark consequences of a grieving father who discovers an ancient burial ground with the power to resurrect the dead.
Its themes of grief, loss, and eerie resurrections will resonate well with fans of Insidious who are fascinated by the intersection of the supernatural and profound personal tragedy.
27. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
In The Autopsy of Jane Doe, the coroner’s, a father and son duo, uncover bizarre and frightening secrets while examining the body of an unidentified woman.
The claustrophobic setting and gradual revelation of horrifying truths make it akin to Insidious, appealing to those who favor tension and a narrative that unfolds in layers.
I find this film to be really well done considering it takes place in a single, small setting. The fact that it’s a coroner’s workplace just adds to the creepy atmosphere.
28. The Nun (2018)
A spin-off of The Conjuring 2, The Nun explores the origins of the demon nun, Valak.
Set in a remote Romanian abbey, this film combines religious iconography with supernatural horror, perfect for Insidious fans interested in demonic themes and the chilling lore surrounding haunted locations.
This is also a great option if you’re looking for a series to watch, there’s a sequel to this film and a third is anticipated.
29. Candyman (1992)
A graduate student explores the urban legend of “Candyman,” a spirit with a violent past summoned by saying his name five times in front of a mirror. The urban setting and blend of folklore make it ideal for Insidious enthusiasts who appreciate a horror film that offers both social commentary and supernatural thrills.
30. Shutter (2004, Thai version)
This Thai horror film follows a photographer who discovers mysterious shadows in his photographs after a tragic accident.
The integration of supernatural elements into everyday life and the mounting suspense make Shutter a match for Insidious viewers who enjoy a slow build-up to a terrifying revelation.
31. The Void (2016)
The Void is a visceral horror film featuring a group of people trapped in a hospital, contending with cult-like figures and monstrous creatures.
Its mix of gore, cosmic horror, and survival stakes provides a raw, intense experience for fans of Insidious looking for a blend of supernatural and body horror.
What is Insidious?
Insidious is a supernatural horror film directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell. The story centers around the Lambert family, whose son Dalton inexplicably falls into a coma and becomes a vessel for ghosts in an astral dimension called “The Further.”
As the family seeks answers, they discover that it’s not the house that’s haunted but their son. The film is known for its atmospheric tension and minimal reliance on gore, instead using eerie soundscapes and jump scares to create a feeling of intense dread. Insidious explores themes of astral projection, spectral entities, and the desperate lengths a family will go to save one of their own.
This movie is a great choice for viewers who appreciate a chilling narrative that combines both psychological elements and traditional hauntings, making it a standout in modern horror cinema.
Final Thoughts: Horror Movies Like Insidious
If you’re looking for horror movies like Insidious to curl up on the couch with and scare your pants off, then I’ve got a TON for you to check out.
My top pick is going to be The Conjuring because it’s got the same look and feel, but if that’s not quite for you, there are plenty of other horror filled options.
Which will you watch next?
